School-Age Intentions:
Dedication to working with classmates, learning from each other, building friendships and having fun are all points of focus in the School Age classroom. We believe that our students have a wealth of ideas, knowledge and creativity to be shared. Through provocation of exciting materials and projects, our intention is to provide opportunities to develop, explore and cultivate our interests while building positive relationships with one another.
One example of how these intentions are met can be seen in the block area. Students use this space to create structures which accompany their games and concepts of interest. By working together to build their creations, students can share their ideas, express their creativity, and learn new ideas from one another. By practicing drawing blueprints and pictures for planning designs, then revisiting those designs during building, students become the leaders, developers and record keepers of their own projects. Sharing the ideas, process and outcomes of their work with classmates helps to build new friendships and strengthen existing ones.
Other examples of the School Age focal points happen throughout the classroom. Students work with clay and plaster molds to create pieces they can reproduce and then share their designs with one another. They use the computer to introduce and share their favorite games with classmates, then work together to achieve the goals. They create puppets which they can use to write, direct and perform in puppet shows together.
Activities which stem from the students interests, allow opportunities for students to work together and learn from one another, and which facilitate the building of positive relationships while having fun are the goals of the School Age classroom.
